Disney Springs (Downtown Disney)

[davidm]

So Disney have announced the rumoured refurb around Downtown Disney;

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2 ... ld-resort/

Earlier today, we unveiled plans for Disney Springs, the exciting, multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort, and I’d like to give you all a glimpse into what we’ve got planned.

Walt Disney World Resort guests and local Florida residents have been enjoying Downtown Disney for more than 30 years, but we knew we had an opportunity to reimagine and reinvent this corner of the resort. We’ve spent a good deal of time thinking through just what we want this area to be, and how to bring it to life to make it a place unlike any other. And we have even scrapped a few preliminary plans that we felt didn’t measure up to our aspirations for this place.

Our fundamental goal is to create a welcoming, comfortable space where families can enjoy time together and instantaneously feel right at home. We want to give them opportunities to relax, to be entertained, to wander in and out of unique and distinctive shops or enjoy a world-class dining experience. And because we are Disney, we’ve anchored the entire experience around a story that gives us the ability to deliver on the legendary place-making and creativity for which we are known. The result is Disney Springs, a timeless and vibrant place that celebrates the turn-of-the century lakeside towns that dotted the Florida landscape.

The story of Disney Springs begins at our new Town Center, which is oriented around a series of bubbling natural springs that first attracted settlers to the area. From there, the town grew to encompass three additional neighborhoods: The Landing, Marketplace and West Side – each with its own distinct charm and atmosphere.

Once complete, Disney Springs will expand from 75 to more than 150 shopping, dining and entertainment venues, featuring some of the world’s most iconic brands and restaurants. Construction is set to begin next month. The expansion will open in phases and we expect to complete our development in 2016. We look forward to sharing more details in the future here on the Disney Parks Blog.

Along with an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands, Disney Springs (as shown in this conceptual rendering) will feature a new gateway with a signature water tower and grand entry.

With a flowing spring as a centerpiece, Disney Springs will feature four outdoor neighborhoods including the two shown in an artist’s conceptual rendering. The Town Center (lower portion of the image) will offer one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experiences along a promenade while The Landing (upper portion of the image) will include inspired dining and beautiful waterfront views.

Inviting and infused with character, Disney Springs will feature four outdoor neighborhoods including The Landing (as shown in this conceptual rendering) which offers inspired dining, retail and beautiful waterfront views.

As part of Disney Springs, the family-friendly Marketplace (as shown in this conceptual rendering) will continue to delight guests of all ages and include new experiences, such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway.

Disney Springs will blend the familiar with the unexpected throughout its four outdoor neighborhoods including the West Side (as shown in this conceptual rendering) which will provide an exuberant atmosphere with lively entertainment, along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below.

Downtown Disney is undergoing a multi-year transformation, representing the largest expansion in its history. The renamed Disney Springs (as shown in this conceptual model) will double the number of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences, and feature an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands.

...and some interesting analysis from JH;

So what drove WDW officials to greenlight the Disney Springs project?

 

[peep]

I've been hearing about this for ages on other forums, glad to see it finally announced. I still don't understand why multi-storey car parks aren't built at parks more often anyway so I'm glad to see them being added here, a very sensible idea.

One thing that concerns me is that my main issues with Downtown Disney don't look like they're getting resolved with this re-design and if anything one of them gets worse.

My first problem is that it's just food and retail, the area which is more for night-life, going out and partying was just dead. They've seen opened the bowling alley but still, I felt like it should be a buzzing entertainment area and the only thing open and busy was the Blues place, clearly they should be expanding on what is clearly a popular part of this area?

My second problem was the pathways, there were lots of areas where it just got very crowded and horrible and your thoughts just turned to leaving the place. It becomes unpleasant and although the plans look nice all I see is more pathways that are even thinner than what already exists. I can't see the crowd flow of the area being very nice.


Still, nice to see them dealing with an area of the Resort in clear need of attention. Lets hope they improve Disney Quest while they're at it.

 

[marc]

When I read about this the other week I thought it was going to be like Cars based am so happy it's not.

Looks really nice

Peep the problem was when they had clubs there the area was not very nice. There was sick and drunk people walking round and this did cause problems which is why I think they shut: that area down. It really was that bad.

Have tbh have never been there when the paths are to crowded. Yes it gets busy but no worse than anywhere else I've been to.

The other down town area tend to be in a straight line and that's just not possible here.

The universal area is a lot worse I hate it there. You come down the escalator from the car park and then cannot move.

I would like to see more fast food places there though as at the moment there are none.

I've stayed at two of the hotels in the pictures lol

 

[Martyn B]

I really like Downtown Disney as it is, though it's clear that there are design issues. The market place was my favourite area, with all the Disney shops, plus Earl and Rainforest Cafe.

Pleasure Island was constantly RAMMED when ever we were there, yet Westside was almost empty....?

Anyway, I dont know how I feel about this tbh. It looks pretty for sure, but, I dont know...